The Washington Nationals continued shaping their pitching strategy on Friday by optioning three left-handed starters Mitchell Parker, Andrew Alvarez, and Jake Eder to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings. Each will open the 2026 season in Rochester, providing valuable rotation depth for a Nationals team aiming to stay competitive throughout a full 162-game grind.
Washington’s offseason focus on strengthening its rotation led to the additions of veterans Zack Littell, Foster Griffin, and Miles Mikolas, while several returning arms begin the year at Rochester. Parker, Alvarez, and Eder join fellow prospects Riley Cornelio (the 2025 Minor League Pitcher of the Year), Luis Perales, and Kyle Luckham, giving the Red Wings one of the strongest rotations in recent memory.
Mitchell Parker: Resetting After a Sophomore Slump
Drafted in 2020, Mitchell Parker rose quickly through the Nationals system thanks to his power fastball and advanced pitch mix including a sweeping slider, hammer curve, and effective changeup. After a promising rookie season in 2024, Parker struggled in 2025, seeing increases in walks and ERA while opponents hit .273 against him. By season’s end, he had shifted to the bullpen. Starting 2026 in Rochester gives Parker a chance to refine his command and regain his early form.
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